Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
Spinach Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, chopped (can substitute with baby kale or Swiss chard)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (cottage cheese works as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (Pecorino Romano can be used)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional for sautéing spinach)
Additional
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash to achieve golden color)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Allow it to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 squares, depending on your preferred pastry size.
- Fill the pastry: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the dough into triangles or rectangles, then firmly seal the edges using a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each stuffed pastry with the beaten egg. This step helps to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or paired with tzatziki or marinara sauce as dipping options.
Notes
- Use baby kale or Swiss chard as alternatives if you can't find fresh spinach.
- Cottage cheese can substitute ricotta for a different texture and flavor.
- Fresh minced garlic may be used instead of garlic powder for more pronounced garlic flavor.
- These pastries are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven to maintain flakiness.
- To make them vegan, substitute the ricotta and egg wash with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve with tzatziki or marinara sauce to add complementary flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean